Friction shock-absorbing mechanism



Mar. l, 1923.

l. F. OCOEQNORl FiiCON SHOCK ABSGHBNG ME CHANESM.

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Patented Mar. 13, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN F. O'CONNOR. OF CHICAGO. ILLINOIS. ASSIGNOR TO WILLIAM H. EINER, OF CHAZY. NEW YORK.

FRICTION SHOCK-ABSORBING MECHANISM.

Application fue@ April s2 1921. serial No. 459,066.

To (1U clim/1 if nlfry/ crrilcci'n Bc it known that l. .lonx F. (YtoNNou. a citizen ol the lnitcd ltates. residingr at Chicago. iu thc county of Cook and State ot 5 lllinois. have invented a certain new and useful I'inprmcment in Friction Shot-leftlisorbiirLr Mechanisms. oi' which thc following.7 is a full, clear. concise. a ud exact description. reference being had to the accompanying drawings. toi-mingl a part` of this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in friction shock absorbing mechanisms.

Une object ot the invention is to provide a friction shock absorbinzgr mechanism especially adapted for railway draft rigginfs und wherein are obtained high capacity. large trietiJIml Wearing` areas. Certain release. and long lite.

zvnotlier object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of the character indicated in the preceding and wherein is employed a combined wedging and pressure-transmitting system such that the parts thereof are anti-frictioiuilly mounted with respect to all the frictiou-generating elements ot the mechanism and also wherein the parts of the wedging system are themselves relatively autirictionallv mounted.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of the character indicated wherein the pressure per unit of area of t'riction-freneratiup; surfaces is kept relatively low witnout militating against t-he desired high capacity. this feature being obtained by employing;r a4 greater number of relatively movable friction elements than heretofore.

1n the drawings forminor a part of this specification. Figure 1 is a iorizontal, longi- 40 tudinal sectional view of a portion of u railway dra Ft rigging showing my improvements in connection therewith. Figure 2 is a vertical transverse, sectional view corresponding substantially tio the line 2-2 of Figuraz 1. Figure 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the shock absorbing' mech anism proper corresponding substantially to the line 3 3 ot Figure 1. Figur: 4 is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding snbstantiallyto the line +-4 of Figure 3. And Figures (i and T `are detail perspectives of one of the wedge elements. one of the .so-called linovable friction plates, and the spring follower, respectively.

In said drawings. 11J-1O denote channel center or draft sills of a railwayv car tothe inner faces of which are secured front sto lugs 11-11 and rear stop lugs 1212. portion ot a drawbar is indicated at 13. the same being .iperatively associated with the vshock absorbing mechanism proper by means ot a hooded cast voke 14. coupler key 15. and a detachable saddle plate 116.

The improved shock absorbing mechanism proper. as shown. consists. broadly. of a front follower A; a columnJood-sustaining member designated generally by the refer! ence B: twin arranged spring resistance 4(": a spring follower D; a series of relatively stationary friction plates E-E; a series of alternated relatively movable friction plates FMF; u plate follower G: a pressure-traumiitting block H; two wedge elements l{-K: au interposed anti-*friction roller L; and outer anti-friction rollers MMM.

The column -load-sustuining member B, as shown. is preferably in the form of a casing lsuitably formed to contain the springs and other parts of the mechanism. Said member ll has an integral rear wall 16 adapted to act as a rear follower in cooperation with the stop lugs 12. Integrally formed with the wall 16 are upper and lower horizontally extended walls 1?-17 and vertically extending side walls 18-18 at the outer end thereof ns best shown in Fi Vure 3. With this construction. it is evident t iat the forward end of the member B is of rectangular box-like form und the sides are open rearwardly of the box-like construction to admit of the insertion and removal of the springs C-C and follo'wer D.

As shown, the series of alternated plates E and F are preferably arranged in two groups on opposite sides of the center line of thev mechanism. To permit of this, the member B is formed with transversely extending shoulders 19 and 20 on opposite sides of the center as best shown in Figure 4, to thereby provide transversel f extending recesses 21v in which are ieceive( the ends of the relatively stationar friction plates E. As will be understood. t 1e latter are inserted centrally of the opening at the front end of the column member B and then slipped sideways into proper position on each side of the center line. With'bhisconstruction` it relatively stationary plates E is preferably,

is evident that the plates E are prevented from an ment with respect. to the column member B but are free to shift laterally as pressure is imposed thereon. The other series of p)h F is alternated with the plates E, as )est shown in Figures 1 and 3. Each of the grooved or channeled on its side facing the center line of the mechanism as indicated at 22 in Figure 3 and the movablplates F are slidably guided within saidgrooves or channels 22. As seen from Figure 3, the relative depth of the rooves 22 and thickness of .the movable p etes F is made such that thel plates E do not comenillto contact with each other andhenall may be subject to the lateral Ypressure hereinbefore inentioned.

The movable plates F are'attached tothe plate follower G preferably` by notchin each of the plates F as indicated at 23 in igure 4 which notches correspond to transversely' extending ribs 24 on the up' er and lower inner faces of the follower The outermost edges of the plates F engage. the inner face of the front wall 25 of theffollower G, as best indicated in Figure l. nection, it. will be understood that the ribs 24 extend only part way toward the center of the follower G so that the plates may be assembled by first alinin the notches there of with the ribs 24 an then slipping the plates F laterally along the ribs. In the i-n stance shown, the ribs and 'notches are made semi-circular but, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, this shape may be changed without affecting the function of the mechanism. i'lthwill be noted that, (iin normal )osition o t e parts, 1,1m er en s of the pilates F are withi'rt e so-called stationary plates Y The follower G has a ce tral opening of rectangular' form as indica ed at 26 through which extends the block H. The latteris in engagement with the main front follower A and, 1n normal position of the parts, the

outer face of the follower G is spaced from the follower A a small distance, preferably about a halt" inch. The block H bears against the outer endl ofone of the triangular Wedge elements lil. The elements are of like construction but oppositcly arranged, each having a flat` beiaring face as indicated at 27 in Figure '5. y(ln its outer side each element K is recessed as indicated at 2S within which is disposed a preferably stoel wear plato 29 forming :i bearing for the corresponding pair of anti-friction rollers lvl-M. The opposite walls defining the sides of the recess 2S are` transversely grooverl as indicated :it 3U to accommodate tlugnnds of thc rolleus M and permit the la;- teili free rolling :nomment within limits as best seen in Figure l. On its sloping or appreciable longitudinal move.

In this com4 wedge face roper, each element K is recessed as in icated at 31 at the bottom o1' -which is placed a steel plate insert 32 formgular plate section 34 against which bear the forwardends of the two springs G-U and forwardly extended side arms 35-35 which straddle the wedge elements Ii and, in normal position'of the arts, engage the inner edges of the plate fol inFigure 4. The plate section 34 of the follower D is cutaway at its ends as indicated at 36 so as to seat within correspondlower'G as best shown ing notches 37 formed. in the columnvmember B. y i

The operation of the device is as follows. Assuming an inward or buling movement of the drawbar, the front follower A is forced inwardly or rearwardly, th'e column member remaining stationary since ityis held by the 'rear stops 12.' In taking up the space, a half in'ch or thereabouts, between the follower A and the plate follower G, the load from the drawbaris transmitted directlyv through the block H to the wedging elements K-K and the latter-considered as an kntirety, moved longitudinally relatively to ,the innermost'plates F which action is permitted as a result of the rolling of the rollers M thereon. During this initial movement ofrthe wedging system with respect. to the friction plates, the lateral pressure ex erted outwardly against thetwo groups of alternated plates is increased andthe spring follower D is forced inwardly a slight dis-4 tance away from the inner edges of the stationary -plates E and thereafter the inner end of the wedging system is afforded il yielding spring resistance proportional to the degree of compression on the springs.

After the follower A engages the outer face of the ,plate follower G, the latter is forced rearwardly as are also'the plates F. Simul-- taneously therewith, the wedging system will also move rearwardly as will be understood. The lateral spreading pressure having pre viously been set up in all of the friction plates, the frictiona resistance during the remainder of the stroke will be graduated and of uniform character and, because of the ten sets of cooperating friction faces. a very high capacity will be developed. From the preceding, it will be observed that the action of the mechanism during the compress'y sion stroke will be smooth and that there is no danger of excessive pressure being exerted on any particular element for the 'reason that the ultimate expanding or Wedging force is determined by the spring.

In release upon removal of the actuating force; the spring first reacts through the spring follower D and forces the wedging system outwardly relatively to the `so-called movable friction plates l*` and plate follower G and until thev follower l rated from the follower G an amount corresponding to the normal spacing therebetween illustrated in Figure l. This action is greatly facilitated and the certainty of release insured because of the anti-friction rolling bearings between the s vstem as an entirety and the innermost plates F and also by the anti-friction rolling bearing between the two elements K of the wedge system. lVhen the 'wedge system has thus been collapsed and forced outwardly relatively to the movable plates F and follower G. the outer ends of the side arms ol the spring follower D engage the follower G and hence the latter while carrying the plates F is forced outwardly or back to its normal position under the expansion of the springs (l. From the preceding it will be observed that the lateral pressure on all of the friction elements will have been reduced substantially to zero before there is any outward pull imposed upon the plates F,

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the members B and (i may be read il;Y and cheaply manufactured as ordinary lcastings inasmuch as no frictional wearing surfaces on either are required; the plates E may be readily manufactured at comparatively small expense referably by rolling strips of the desired cliannel formation and cutting them olf to length; and the plates l" may also be readily manufactured in the form of rolled plates, both sets of plates being case ardened if desired.

i As is well known to those skilled in the art, it is desirable that the over-all length of the mechanism be maintained and also all of the parts held in assembled relation to facilitate shipment. To this end, I may employ a, pair of retainer bolts 38 having the nuts and heads thereof seated in suitable sockets carried by the block H and rear wall of the member B, said bolts extending through suitable alined pcrforations or recesses in the various parts in order to avoid interference during the action of the mechanism.

I have herein employed the term columnload-sustaining member for the member referenced B and although the same is shown of casin r or container form. it will be evident to t ose skilled in the art. that the same may take other different forms without de `mrting from the spirit of the invention. Il changes and modrinatinng are is sepai contemplated that come within the the claims appended hereto.

I claim:

1. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a column-loadsustaining member; of a plurality of friction elements mounted thereon and relatively immovable lcingitudinally thereof: of a spring resistance; a plurality ol' relatively movable friction elements alternated with said first named friction elements and longitudinally movable with res 'iect thereto; a follower to which said movalble friction elements are attached; and wedge-)ressortitransmitting means reacting at tlie inner end against said spring resistance and laterally against said alternated friction elements to augment the friction therebetween. said means, at the outer end.` extending beyond said follower a limited distance and adapted to be pressureactuatcd a limited distance prior to and thereafter simultaneously with said follower.

2. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a columnloadsustaining member; of a. plurality of friction elements mounted on said member and relatively immovable longitudinally thereof; of a plurality of relatively movable friction elements alternated with said tirs-t inlined friction elements and longitudinally movable with respect thereto; said immovable and movable friction elements being divided into two laterally opposed groups; a spring resistance; wedge-pressuro-transmitting means scope of interposed between said two groups and reacting laterally against both groups, said means reacting at the inner end against said spring resistance and adapted to receive the actuating force at the outer end; and means independent of said wedge-pressure-transmitting means acted upon by said spring resistance during the release action of the mechanism arranged to pull saidmovable friction elements outwardly from their outer ends.

El. In a friction shock absorbingr mechanism, the combination with a column-inailq sustaining member; of a plurality of friction elements mounted on said member and relatively immovable longitudinally thereof: of a plurality of relatively movable friction elements alternated with said first named friction elements and longitudinallyY mow able with respect thereto, said immovable and movable friction elements bein `divided into two laterally opposed groups.' a spring resistance: wedge pressure tra nsmltti'ng means interposed between said tivo groups and reacting laterally against bo l1 groups, said means reacting at the inner e nd against said spring resistance and adapted to receive the actuating fore;l at the outer end: and means acted upon by said spring' resistance f durmg the release action of the mechamsm illu arranged to pull said movable friction elements outwardly from their outer ends. said last named means including a follower at the outer ends of and attached to said movable ,friction elements. and pressu're-transmittingr means interposed between said spring resistance and said follower.

4. ln a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a column-loadsustaining member; of a plurality of friction elements mounted on sait member and relatively immovable longitudinally thereof; of a spring resistance; a plurality of relatively movable friction elements alternated with said first named friction elements and longitudinally movable with respect thereto; a follower to which said movable friction elements are rigidly attached: a spring follower located between said immovable friction 'elements and the adjacent portions i of the spring resistance; and wedge-pressure-transmitting means reacting at the inner end lagainst said spring follower and laterally against said alternated friction elements to augment the friction therebetween, said means, at the outer end. extending beyond said follower to which the movable friction elements are attached for a `elements are rigidly attached; a spring follower located between said immovable friction elements and the adface'nt portions of the s ring resistance wedge-pressuretransmittingmeans reacti r at the inner end against said spring folio er and laterally against said alternated friction elements .to augment the friction therebetween, said means having a non-eompressible outer end, extending beyond said follower to which the movable friction elements are attached for a. limited distance and adapted to be pressure-actuated a limited distance prior to and thereafter simultaneously with said follower, said wedgeressure-transmittin means 1ncluding a pliirality of wedge e ements one of which bears upon said spring follower` and anti-friction means between said ciements; and anti-friction means interposed between said wedge-pressure-transmitting means' sind the frictionelements.

6. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a column-loadsustaining member; of a plurality of friction elements mounted on said member and relatively immovable longitudinally thereof; of a sprin resistance; a plurality of relatively mova le friction elements alternated with said irst named friction elcments and longitudinally movable with respect thereto; a follower to which said movable friction elements are rigidly attached; a spring follower located between said irnmovable friction elements and the adjacent portions of the spring resistance; wedge-pressure-transmitting means reacting at the inner end against said springr follower and laterally against said alternated friction elements to augment the friction therebetween, said means, at the outer end, extending beyond said follower to which the movable friction elements are attached for a limited distance and adapted to be pressure-actuated a limited distance prior to and thereafter simultaneously with said follower; and pressuretransroittinor means interposed between said spring fol ower and the other follower adapted to transmit the reactive spring pressure to said other follower and thereby pull the movable friction elements' outwardl during,r release.

7. n a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a casing having` a plurality of relatively stationary friction plates mounted therein; of a spring resistance; a follower interposed between said spring resistance and the innerends of said plates; a plurality of relatively movable friction plates alternated with said stationary friction plates, said alternated plates being divided into two laterally opposed roups; a plate follower to which said movab e friction plates are attached; pressure-transmitting means interposed between said two followers and movable relatively to said plate follower; and combined wed pressure-transmitting means reacting at t e inner end against said spring follower and laterall against said friction elements, said means lieing adapted to receive the actuating force initially prior to wid plate follower.

8. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a casing having a plurality of relatively stationary friction plates mounted therein; of a spring resistf ance; a. follower interposed between said spring resistance and the inner ends of said lates; a plurality of relatively movable riet-ion plates alternated with sai stationary friction plates, said alternated plates Lbeing divided into two laterally opposed grou s; a plate follower to which said mova le friction plates are attached; pressure-transmitting means inter osed between'said wo followers; combine wedge-pressure-transmitting m ns reacting at the inner end vUlli against said pring folio-wer and' laterally- .In witnesthat I claim .the for oing I against said r being adapted to recoye the actuating'force day of Mar. 1921.

initially prior to saiid plate follower; und JOHN F. OCONNOR. untifriotion means mterposed between said Witnemes: wedge pressure-transmltting meals and y META SCHMIDT,

each group ofA friction elements. 4 UNA C. PEKIN.

lotion elements, said means have hereunto snbscribed'my name i; is 12th 

